5 things every runner should do in preparation for their first marathon

So, are you going to run the first marathon of your life anytime soon and are you looking for what to do and what not to do to start running? Running a marathon is not as easy as the smiling selfies of the winners show. Running long distances is undoubtedly a tedious task and many of those who start running do not complete even half of it. So how can you run without facing the embarrassment of going back halfway? The only answer is to train to run big. Training is the way to go to run this 26.2-mile endurance race. If you don’t train, you’ve already proven yourself to be a bad runner.

It is a known fact that running well also for long distances cannot come abruptly. There are many among us who have started running every Sunday and abandoned the idea within a few weeks because we couldn’t cope with the physical challenges that the sport brings. A simple glance at the runners after a couple of miles into the race can give a runner a beginner. I am listing some tips that can help you avoid some basic mistakes most runners fall into and help you cover all areas related to training and running.

start running

Like I told you, preparing for a marathon starts long before the actual race, so get out your running shoes and hit the ground running. If you want to run a full marathon successfully, you should train for at least half of your training cycle. It’s true that you can casually start running and then run a full-fledged marathon within a few months, but the CAN should not be the SHOULD. You should train professionally for the marathon, although many people have run marathons simply by preparing with small jogs, but there is no guarantee that it will work for you as well.

Marathons are all about endurance and that doesn’t mean everyone who runs marathons doesn’t face injury. Even successful participants can face injuries, but those who start running without training can face much worse. Your chance of hitting injuries is just too nasty. Yes, you heard right. Without training, participants are at very high risk of injury.

You should start training a minimum of 4 months before the actual race if you are not used to any form of physical training. You should start running as much as you can at a downhill speed of 5 miles in an hour, to start with. You should slowly run 20-25 miles each week for a minimum of 3 months. If you can do this, you are halfway there. This training is very important for your body to adapt to the needs of the race. Your body may tell you to quit at first, but soon it will not only get stronger but also give you a much better experience.

Get the perfect team

Before you even think about running, think about the equipment that will help you run. Undoubtedly, the footwear you wear should be the greatest of your consideration to start the training and also the race itself. Your feet are not like the tires on your car that can be replaced, but they are your gift from God – treat them well.

Getting the perfect pair of running shoes can be a costly affair, but if things go wrong with a cheaper pair, the costs involved in keeping your body straight can be much higher. And why not apply the learning of the famous English proverb, “Prevention is better than cure”. You would certainly need other things and you can buy something that is simply descendant without the need to buy the most modern and expensive things out there. You would need shorts, caps, t-shirts, water bottles, etc.

Determine your goals

Everyone must keep the crossing of the finish line as their hand and the most important goal. Aiming for more than this might not be the right idea for first-time runners. They will only end up worrying if they think about the weather and other things, which would be too big a task. Remember, things come slowly; Rome was not built in a day!

Forge a strong training plan

Sit down with an expert trainer and dial in your plan. Alternatively, you can go and use the free plans available on the internet. The Nike+ plan is a good plan to consider. Depending on your lifestyle, time, and habits, you should be able to determine a unique plan that you could effectively implement.

Get a running buddy

It is more than likely that if you run alone you will fail the task. He may be overwhelmed with the stresses involved in the training process, especially if he’s completely new to running. Having a good, strong and motivated partner as a partner is a great thing. They will practice together and motivate each other to give their best in the race. However, if you can find more people to join you, then that’s just awesome. Your motivation and determination will flourish with each session with your team.

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